1. Jamie xx ft. Young Thug & Popcaan — "I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times)"
View this video on YouTube
Electronic artist and producer Jamie xx told Grantland that the inspiration for this near-perfect summer jam came from driving over the Williamsburg bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan listening to New York hip-hop station Hot 97. “It was perfectly fitting,” he remembers, and from that experience came an instantly likable anthem that defines what summer is all about in only two words: good times.
2. Years & Years — "King"
View this video on YouTube
Released in late February in Year & Years' native U.K., "King" has already topped the U.K. singles chart and is now racing up U.S. dance charts. One spin of "King," and it's obvious why it's not slowing down anytime soon. It's exactly the club track built for hot summer nights.
3. Miguel ft. Wale — "Coffee (F***ing)"
View this video on YouTube
It's been almost three long years since Miguel dropped his last solo album and leg-dropped his way into our hearts. "Coffee (F***ing)" is one hell of a comeback. While lacking the anthemic, sing-along qualities of a typical Song of the Summer, it's just too good too overlook, especially when Miguel starts singing his heart out as the track reaches its apex.
4. Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea — "Pretty Girls"
View this video on YouTube
Could Iggy Azalea capture the Song of the Summer crown for the second consecutive year? While "Fancy" undoubtedly ruled supreme last year, "Pretty Girls" lacks its predecessor's immediate infectiousness. But who are we to doubt Iggy, especially when she's teamed up with BRITNEY?! As you should know by now, you never bet against Britney.
5. Flo Rida ft. Robin Thicke & Verdine White — "I Don't Like It, I Love It"
View this video on YouTube
Speaking of comebacks, can you believe it's been three years since Flo Rida made his last run at the Song of Summer title with "Good Feeling"? That's crazy! Like Miguel, Flo Rida's making a strong case this year with "I Don't Like It, I Love It," which is nearly impossible to get out of your head. Seriously, how do I get this out of my head?! Make it stop!
6. Maroon 5 — "This Summer's Gonna Hurt Like A Motherf****r"
View this video on YouTube
Borrowing a strategy Calvin Harris employed last year with his single "Summer," Maroon 5 figured what better way to go after the Song of the Summer crown than by just putting "summer" in the title of their latest track. Not only that, but they upped the ante by rhyming "summer" with "motherfucker" in the song's chorus. A+ for thinking this one through, boys.
7. Neon Indian — "Annie"
View this video on YouTube
Okay, so Neon Indian might be a little too far outside of the mainstream to claim the crown, but who doesn't love rooting for an underdog? Also, "Annie" does this amazing thing where if you close your eyes while listening to it, you're magically transported to a beach somewhere in the Caribbean. Try it — it's like a freakin' Corona ad come to life.
8. Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar — "Bad Blood"
View this video on YouTube
Taylor Swift just missed the Song of the Summer cutoff last year with "Shake It Off," which was released in mid-August. This year, however, she's going for gold with "Bad Blood," which might be (definitely is) getting more attention for its epic star-studded music video than its quality. That said, just like her character Catastrophe in the "Bad Blood" video, Taylor's a force to be reckoned with. Those in her way are advised to take cover.
9. Carly Rae Jepsen — "I Really Like You"
View this video on YouTube
If there's one person in the world who can top the charts, melt the cold heart of even the most pretentious music snob, and cause the world to break into spontaneous song and dance, it's Carly Rae Jepson. She did it once with 2011's "Call Me Maybe," and she's doing it again with her latest track, "I Really Like You." The best thing about it? You can sing along with the chorus after only one listen. It's really really really really really really that easy.
10. Bonnie McKee — "Bombastic"
View this video on YouTube
Bonnie McKee's gym in "Bombastic" frightens and confuses me. Her latest single also does that courteous thing where it gives you some quiet time to rest between kicking your ass again.
Will Bonnie, or any of these other artists, take the Song of the Summer crown this year? Unclear. But the battle is the best part anyway. (Cue Game of Thrones music.)